Babst Calland Expands Mobility, Transport and Safety Practice

Babst Calland announced the addition of William L. Godfrey as Director, Mobility, Automation and Safety. The Firm is expanding its capabilities to support the developing needs of companies with emerging technologies. It provides strategic leadership with business and legal advice for manufacturers, suppliers, start-ups, technology companies and government entities in the full-spectrum of transportation regulatory, safety, product quality, and automation matters, including those related to automated/autonomous driving systems.

A former General Motors vehicle engineer, production manager and senior U.S. federal regulatory chief at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)/U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Will Godfrey will assist clients in achieving their business goals and navigating obstacles by applying a current and detailed understanding of the federal government’s approach to transportation safety regulation (particularly motor vehicles), including its programs, processes, and personnel.

Godfrey spent nearly a decade at NHTSA/DOT, where he served in various leadership capacities. Among other things, as NHTSA’s Trends and Analysis Division Chief, he led the oversight, analysis, and investigation of more than 1,100 vehicle, equipment, tire, motorcycle, and child car seat manufacturers globally, including TREAD Act/Early Warning Reporting Program and the integration of new, data-driven techniques. As a senior policy advisor to the NHTSA Administrator, he led the agency’s comprehensive reorganization of the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

“Will Godfrey is well-regarded and uniquely qualified to serve clients with emerging technologies as a senior technical and strategic advisor, integrated with our best in class legal and technical team,” said Donald C. Bluedorn II, Managing Shareholder of Babst Calland. “We’re thrilled to have him join us.”

Prior to his federal service, Godfrey worked at General Motors as a vehicle engineer and production manager for various vehicle and equipment platforms. Among other things, he led programs in quality control, research and development, production, distribution, licensing, sales and service.

Godfrey received his Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering and Technology from Southern Illinois University. He earned a certificate from the Graduate School USA, Washington D.C. in the Federal Senior Executive Leadership Development Program in Management.